The story
Old Delhi's markets date to Shah Jahan's walled city of the 1650s, when Chandni Chowk was laid out as its main bazaar. Khari Baoli at the western end grew into the spice and dry-fruit market that supplies kirana shops across north India. Sadar Bazar, just outside the old city, became the wholesale hub for household goods, toys and stationery. Traders from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP and J&K come here to buy stock, and many shops are run by the same families for generations.
In numbers
Sadar Bazaar accommodates more than 15,000 shops and 82 small markets.
The Daily Pioneer — Sadar Bazaar lacks basic infrastructure · 2019
Ways in for a newcomer
- Buying wholesale here and supplying kirana and gift shops in smaller towns
- Packaging and branding spices or dry fruits bought from Khari Baoli
- Last-mile delivery and porter services for traders
- Online B2B ordering for regular buyers of Old Delhi traders
Problems the cluster faces
- Congestion, parking and loading problems
- Poor sanitation and fire safety in old buildings
- Online wholesale platforms competing for retailers
- Security incidents that cut footfall
Businesses to start here
Masala / Spice Grinding Unit →Dry Fruits Shop →Roasted Dry Nuts →Construction Materials Trading →Kitchen Utensil Shop →Clothing and Apparel Retail Store →